How much scope power do I need?

[Jimsc]

Me and some of my friend shoot target comps often at 30 yards.  We use standard 81/2x11 paper with 20 bulls.  I am currently using a 3-9x32 and they have 4-16x50.  I seem to shoot as good as them and win a good bit of the time but wonder if I would shoot better with more scope power?  I really like the way my guns looks and feels with the smaller scope so I don't want a bigger scope unless it would make a difference.

[Roadworthy]

Jim - I HAVE a 4-16 X 50.  Huge, isn't it?  It admits more light and makes the target clearer but at thirty yards I'm fine with my 3-9 X 40.  It is a bit larger than my 3-9 X 32 but admits nearly twice the light.  You don't NEED to jump to fifty.  The 40 works really well for me.

My 3-9 X 32 is the Center Point that came with the gun and not a very good scope.  A well made 3-9 X 32 may be just fine.  Even so, I really like my Hawke 3-9 X 40 AO as an all around scope for thirty to forty yards.

[ezman604]

As Tom says, larger objective scopes will let in more light and make the target brighter and hopefully clearer. BUT, more magnification will also exaggerate ANY movement during the shot cycle. Your pulse will be more noticeable as well as any vibrations.
The other trade-offs are the weight and size. More scope means more weight and bulk.
I would say that if you are shooting well and winning with a 3-9x32, don't change. Don't fix it if it ain't broke. LOL
For me, I need and like large glass. I go for 50mm adjustable objectives (or SF) and magnification of at least 6x up to 32x. I just have to deal with any movement issues and time my shots better.
SAFE & Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

[Bullit]

I agree with DEz whole heartedly in the trade offs.  50yds isn't that far, and excess magnification opens up another can of worms for hold and concentration.
Trying to "keep up with the Jones's", is always a tact we have to fight off.
   I will say that I'm like you,... and want lite and small.  I think you are doing well if you don't have a specific scope that you want to put on your rifle.   A docile shooting R9 offers a lot of opportunity.  Again...50yds isn't that far. 
Buddy...if there was a good liteweight compact fixed 10x w/good glass etched half mildots...I'd get in line for it
A good 3-9x42mm, will be around 25% brighter (and larger), than your current scope.  Does that light gathering difference matter to you? if so, they are a good improvement.  And not so intrusive in length and weight.   Some guys just plain "LIKE" the smaller format (32mm), to concentrate on the smaller FOV.   Potato / Potatoe... Tomato / Tomatoe.        PRIME #1 is your comfort/confidence with it.
Here's a little compact I've used for years, on a 12fpe rifle.   I also like the 3-9x without weight and length.  I re-adjusted it to a 35yd parallax, and it has "paid" for itself in winning pots.    
http://hammersbinoculars.stores.yahoo.net/cori3wiilmir.html
Again...If you're currently happy...don't fall for keeping up with the Joneses.
PS:  Congrats on your Victories! 

[Norm_m]

When bench shooting I like all the power I can get. My S400 MPR Ft has a Hawke Sidewinder 8 - 32 X 56 and seldom comes of 32.

Offhand and hunting I like a 4 -16 and use it mostly on the lower magnification. Once in a blind I may crank it up to 16

Norm

[EJB]

I use a 8X32.  If you wiggle too much using the higher power then you are wiggling too much on low power also.  Work on the steadier hold.  I even use it at 10M.  Nothing like a great view to enjoy shooting.

[starlingassassin]

no matter what scope im using it always seems to stay at 10x


and i do alot of longer range shooting, out to 150yds.